Activity Report 2015-2018€¦ · Activity Report 2015-2018 3 MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGING TRUSTEE Siddharth Foundation is born out of a dream. A dream given by the deep jungles and

Activity Report 2015-2018

1

Mission

To contribute the environmentally

sustainable development through research,

education and outreach on Nature, Culture

and Tradition.

Trustee Board Members

Founder Trustees

Dr. P. Pramod

Dr. A. Sudha

Managing Trustee

Mr. Anoop Raj. P.N

Core Committee

Ms. Chaithra Shree. J

Mr. Terrin Jomics. L

Mr. Pradish. P.N

Advisory Board Mr. Sheshagiri Rao

Mr. Sundar Muruganandan

Mr. U.N. Ravikumar

Mr. E. Kunjikrishnan

Mr. Amit Mathur

Mr. Francis Xavier

Photo Credits

Terrin Jomics. L

Contact Details

Email id:

[email protected]

Website:

http://www.siddharthfoundation.net

Phone:

9442054701, 7902651776

Activity Report

2015-2018

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.siddharthfoundation.net/

Siddharth Foundation

CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGING TRUSTEE …………………….. 1

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ………………………………….……………….. 2

ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE ……………………..………………………. 3

BACKGROUND ……………………..……………………..……………….. 4

SIDDHARTH RESEARCH ……………………..………………………… 5

SIDDHARTH EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ………………………. 14

SIDDHARTH MEDIA ……………………..………………………………. 19

THE SIDDHARTH SOCIETY ……………………..…………………….. 27

Activity Report 2015-2018 3

MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGING TRUSTEE

Siddharth Foundation is born out of a dream. A dream given by the

deep jungles and rivers of Western Ghats. A dream came out of the deep

empathy towards its ecosystem people. A small group of us with same

dream, vision, passion, thrill and longing came together - That was the

genesis of Siddharth Foundation.

Search for the patterns in Biodiversity is our thrill. Learning how to

learn better from Nature is our Moto. Our research team is working on the

pattern of biodiversity in Western Ghats, rivers and village lands.

Communicating and facilitating sustainability is our main focus.

Livelihood support for ecosystem people and ecological refugees of the

Western Ghats is the area of activity. Hundreds of villagers and tribal people

in the forest fringes are now working with us for their livelihood which is

sustainable and non-conflicting with the wildlife around.

We recently understood a great power of films. We saw two of our

recent films transforming the young minds. We are happily witnessing that

the films can be used as a powerful tool for social awakening and promote

collective social responsibility.

We understand, Ignorance of the right information, lack of knowledge,

skill and sensitivity are the real problems. So for that we are talking to

people and walking in Nature with children observing the wonders of Nature

and discussing the issues of conservation and sustainability.

We plan to reach out to at least half a million young minds of Western

Ghats environs in Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the next three years via media

of movies and activities. This is only a beginning - The beginning of a

collective dream.

Anoop Raj. P.N


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Government Department Tamil Nadu Forest Department Kerala State Biodiversity Board

Organization / Institutions

Salim Ali Center for Ornithology Classic Polo Super fans

And Natural History (SACON)

Individuals

Mr. Srinivas. R. Reddy. IFS Field Director

Muthumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu Mr. I. Anwarudheen IFS

Chief Conservator of forest, Tamil Nadu forest department

Mr. Ramasubramanian IFS Conservator of forest

Tamil Nadu forest department Mr. Muthukumar Nadar

Professor Department of Biotechnology, Karunya University

Mr. Shanthini Pandiaraj Head of the Department

Department of Visual Communication, Karunya University

Mr. Vishal Nair Professor Department of Visual Communication, Karunya University



ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

6 environmental short films on

ecology and conservation of biodiversity

screened for the public and

uploaded in the social media.

20000 views for the short films.

More than 10000 people were reached through

seminars and awareness

programs.

Documentation of Biological

wealth of river Bharathapuzha.

The first holistic approach for river

monitoring in Kerala.

Ecology and conservation of

golden jackals.

A first initiative for

meso carnivore conservation in

human dominated landscapes of Kerala.

A periodical and seasonal photo

documentation of wetlands of

Palakkad.

“Bird Acoustic Library”

50 different

locations of Western Ghats were covered,

about 70 species were recorded

Tribal hamlets and forest fringing

villages were adopted for

sustainable lively hood.

Protection of the culture of

agriculture.

Documentation of native rice seeds and different

agriculture practices from Southern India.

People

biodiversity

register.

Supporting Kerala

state biodiversity board for documenting and

updating the traditional

ecological knowledge on biodiversity.

Conservation of

sacred groves.

81 sacred groves from Palakkad

were identified and mapped.

Yes I am the

Change.

In collaboration with Center for

youth and Yes Foundation documentary film

making work shops were

conducted for collages and NGOs of Coimbatore.

Ornithology

Workshop.

Two days ornithology

workshop was conducted for the students of NSS

collage Ottappalam,

Kerala.


BACKGROUND

Siddharth foundation is a Non-profit organization with focus on

biodiversity conservation and sustainable living. Through research,

education and outreach we aim to influence the policy and practice on

conservation of nature, culture and tradition.

Vision

To become the motivator and recourse center for the conservation of

nature culture and traditions.

Objectives

To carryout educational efforts for the under privileged section of the

society without any discrimination of any cast, creed, colour or

religion.

To provide special education and supportive activities for the benefit

of physically and mentally challenged population.

To conduct programs for creating awareness about Nature, culture

and our living environment and the need for protection of the same.

To undertake basic and interdisciplinary research work in Education,

Environment and Culture.

To undertake and implement projects announced by Central or State

Government from time to time which are intended to serve education

and conservation of Nature, Culture and Environment.

To publish literatures, magazines, books, periodicals on issues

related with Education Environment and Culture.

To setup centers and institution for research, training, and skill

development for the human resource development in the field of

Education Environment and Cultural traditions.

To do any other act that is considered charitable and of use to

general public.


SIDDHARTH RESEARCH

Conducting research on Biodiversity, conservation and traditions are

the priority areas of Siddharth research team. At present the division is

running five major research projects. The well designed studies with

rigorous field work are the peculiarities of Siddharth research team.


Project 1

Title: Ecology of Golden jackals, from the human dominated landscapes

of Northern Kerala.

Project Team : Mr. Anoop Raj & Mr. Jayan

Supervision : Dr. P. Pramod

Project Location : Northern Kerala

Collaborators : Salim Ali center for Ornithology and Natural history,

Coimbatore.

Project Duration : Five years

Date of initiation : 10/12/2015

Status : Ongoing

Proposed total

project Cost : 7, 00,000 Rupees

Funding agency : Self funded

Background

Golden jackals (Canis aureus) are widespread, generalist meso

predator which can live in the diverse habitats. They belongs to the family

canidae. The distribution is restricted in Old world countries. They are

categorized under least concern by IUCN, CITES appendix III and schedule

III in the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) in India. Ecologically Golden Jackal

works as meso predator in the human associated landscapes around forest

areas. There are a few studies from India on Golden jackal in the literature

highlighting ecology and behavior of the animal. Studies about this animal

from the southern states are very scanty, especially information from Kerala

is one of the lowest.

Wild dog, domestic dogs and golden jackals are the common canids

distributed in Kerala region of Western Ghats. Apart from wild dog and

domestic dogs, golden jackals play an important role in balancing the

ecosystem by acting as a predator and scavenger. Golden jackals are

considered as biological controllers and act as a natural barrier in the forest


ecotones for many ungulates. Hence they prevent the expansion and

population explosion of these ungulates and reduce human wildlife conflicts

in the human dominated and agro forested landscapes. The wild boar

human conflict is common in Kerala. But this has been increased in last few

years. Now the scenario is that, government has given permission to kill

problem creating individual wild bores which intrude in to the agriculture

lands. The discussion with people suggested one of the reasons behind the

increase in number of wild boars could be the absence of Golden jackals.

Golden jackals are very common to people through folklores from time

immemorial. These scavenging canid in the human-dominated landscapes of

Kerala can serve a role analogous to vultures elsewhere. These services have

an impact on human health, economic activity and environmental quality.

This study is an attempt to find out the status, distribution and ecology of

Golden jackal in Northern part of Kerala, which has a nationally and

internationally relevance by removing the lacuna of knowledge about the

ecology and distribution in the Kerala state.

Activities

Conducting interviews with local people in the Northern district of

Kerala to understand the history of distribution and people attitude

towards the animal.

Monitoring the Golden jackal population through surveys.

Achievements

Identified that, abundance of Golden jackal is more in the Northern

part of the state Kerala.

Cross breeding events with stray dogs are common, which require

immediate attention.

Cross breed jackals were identified and photographed.

Futuristic plans

More emphasis will give on population surveys for Golden jackals.

Places with past distribution records will be surveys.

Potential areas of distribution will be identified.


The cross breed jackal population will be monitored, if it mandatory

we will go for capturing it for morphometric and genetical analysis.

Project 2

Title: Diversity and distribution of birds in Bharathpuzha river basin,

Kerala.

Project Team : Mr. Anoop Raj and Ms. Sheena


Project Location : Palakkad


Coimbatore.

Project Duration: Five years

Date of initiation: 12/10/2017

Status : Ongoing

Proposed total

Project Cost : 7, 00,000 Rupees

Funding agency : Kerala State Biodiversity Board (fellowship) + self-funded

Background

Bharathapuzha is the largest river in Kerala. Out of 41 west flowing

rivers, it is the second longest river of Kerala. This river originates from the

north and south rim of Palghat Gap and flows to west through the planes of

Palakkad district. The area lies between 100 25’ to 110 15’ N and 750 50’ to

760 55’ E. Bharathapuzha has four major tributaries namely Chittur river,

Kalpathi river Gayathri river, and Thoothapuzha which are flowing from

different parts of Western Ghats. In the west the river debouches in the

Arabian Sea at Ponnani on the Malabar Coast.


Bharathapuzha river basin holds various types of ecological systems

which include wetlands, Mangroves, high altitude grass lands, agriculture

lands, and urban lands. All these ecosystems provide shelter for many

plants and animals. Twenty five percentage of the river basin comes under

various protected areas. This river was the major support system for the

agrarian belt in Palakkad which was known as Rice Bowl of Kerala decades

ago. Dams, deforestation, land conversion, sand mining, weed invasion,

waste disposal and encroachment destroyed the riverine habitats. The

unscientific and hazardous developmental activities contributed largely for

the deterioration of health of the river basin. The protection of this river

basin and its unique habitat is essential for the survival of millions of people

and uncountable life forms depend on it.

The biodiversity of this river basin is poorly documented. In the

contest of high pressure of ecological problems this study is planned as an

attempt to understand the ecological strength of the river basin by studying

the distribution and ecology of a selected set of indicator taxa. The whole

river, its catchment area and water shed areas were considered as one entity

for the study. Avifauna inventory with a comprehensive methodology is a

first attempt in this river basin. This study will be an initiative for the long

term bio monitoring on the various ecological regimes of the river basin.

Largely this study will contribute for the stocktaking of the state of art of the

biodiversity of the land supported by Bharathapuzha, current problems,

mitigatory measures and futuristic suggestions for conservation.

Activities

Systematic periodic surveys for the documenting the biodiversity of

the river basin.

Conducting interview with various people to gather historical

information about the river

Futuristic plans

Water quality analysis of the river water

Conducting awareness camps and seminars for the rejuvenation of

the river.


Project 3

Title: Preparation of Bird acoustic library

Project Team : Mr. Anoop Raj, Mr. Terrin Jomiccs and Miss. Chaithra

Shree


Project Location : Western Ghats


Coimbatore.

Project Duration : Five year


Status : Ongoing

Proposed total

Project Cost : 4, 00,000 Rupees


Background

Many birds are known for their melodious songs. We already know

that many of these songs are the strategies of these birds designed for a

reason such as territorial defense and female attraction. Acoustic

communication plays a significant role in the life of birds as an integral part

of their life history strategies. The bird songs also provide model systems to

study acoustic communication in general. The variation among species and

among different vocalizations within species has inspired studies of the

interaction between genetic and environmental factors in producing sounds,

the restriction of learning to sensitive phrases, and the transmission of vocal

tradition in songbirds and so on. Bird calls and songs are being used to

study the phylogenetic and evolutionary relationship of birds elsewhere. But

in India even the primary documentation of bird song repertoire itself is

scarce and it is needed for initiating deeper studies in the ecology and

evolution. This thought plan to initiate the bird acoustic library with long

term plan of studies.

Fifty different locations of Western Ghats were sampled and more

than 70 species of birdcalls were identified and proceeded for the analysis.


Soon this library will be open for the public and researchers through the

foundation website.

Tools used for recording and analysis:

Equipment: Rolend recorder with mike and parabola.

Software: Raven pro and Audacity.

Activities:

Conducting bird surveys and recording the calls.

Periodic processing and systematic documentation of the recorded

calls.

Futuristic Plans:

Recording of bird calls from forest and other nature area.

Recording bird calls from cities and other urban zones.

Recording of pelagic bird calls.

Making the processed calls available through online for the public

use.

Project 4

Title: Status survey and conservation of sacred groves of Palakkad

District

Project Team : Mrs. Praseetha and Mr Pradish

Supervision : Mr Pradish


Project Duration : Three month


Status : Completed

Project Coast : 10000 Rupees


Background


Local communities in many parts of the world have conserved sacred

forests or groves which are based on spiritual and cultural values.

Indigenous and local communities all across the globe have conserved

sacred sites and sacred forests for spiritual, cultural, economic and

aesthetic purposes. The sacred groves harbor rich bio-diversity including

rare, threatened and endangered species and are self-sustainable

ecosystems, further reinforces scientific reasons for conserving sacred

groves. They are serving safe abode for a large number of rare, endemic and

threatened plant and animal species. They play an important role in

providing essential environmental and economic benefits to the local

communities. However there are not many works that have studied in depth

ecological dimensions of sacred groves.

There are 761 sacred groves were reported in Kerala. Out of these 399

were of less than 0.02 ha., in extent. This project is an attempt to map and

identify the number of sacred groves in Palakkad district and understand

the protection status of these ecosystems.

Activities

Direct field observation and conducting interviews with Pulluvas (A

community) and Temple priests who work in close association with sacred

groves.

Achievements

81 sacred groves were identified and mapped so far.

Project 5

Title: Updation of Peoples biodiversity register

Project Team : Mr Pradish and Mr. Anoop Raj

Collaboration : Kerala state Biodiversity Board


Project Duration : Two month


Status : Completed

Project Cost : 10,000 Rupees


Funding agency : Kerala State Biodiversity Board

Background

Peoples Biodiversity Register is a comprehensive data base recording

people’s traditional knowledge and insight of the status, uses, history,

ongoing changes and forces driving these changes on the biological diversity

resources of their own localities. This will provide information on the current

utilization patterns of biodiversity, its economic benefits to the local

communities. Biodiversity registers were prepared with the help of the local

people and hence referred as People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR).

Preparation of Biodiversity Register is an attempt to realize the biodiversity

at Local Self Government level, States and the whole Country. Identification

of biological resources and documentation is one of the prerequisites for the

Register preparation which can lead to new discoveries and development of

new commercial products, patenting of such products, equitable distribution

of benefits. This can be considered as new way for developing an economic

order in the country through biodiversity conservation.

The registers form a baseline data for future management strategies

required for the sustainable utilization of biodiversity in a decentralized

manner. Hence the information has to update periodically. Siddharth

foundation is working in collaboration with Kerala state biodiversity board

for PBR updating processes by conducting meetings, interviews and field

observations.

Activities

Checklist preparation of wild fauna and flora.

Conduction meetings in Panchayath.

Conducting interviews with farmers, vaidhyas and local people who

has knowledge about biodiversity.

Achievements

Two panchayaths (Kadambazhipuram and Pookottukavu), in Palakkad

district were covered for PBR upgradation.



SIDDHARTH EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

“Nurture nature by understanding our culture and tradition” is the

slogan of our outreach program. Siddharth foundation’s education and

outreach program stands for creating awareness about Nature, Biodiversity

and Conservation, cultural and traditional wealth of the country. Our

programs facilitate the understanding of people on nature and associated

environmental problems and make them capable of taking effective decisions

to overcome them. The skill for learning from nature about nature is

essential for ecological literacy. Cultural and traditional back ground of our

country sees every life as equal. This vision of the extended self towards all

life forms is crucial in the life of an individuals and society.

By using effective media tools we engage people and students to address

different ecological issues. Siddharth Foundation works for a dream of

creating future biologists, naturalists, historians and value based citizens

and society.


Awareness program

The education and outreach team of Siddharth foundation work for

creating awareness about nature among students and public through

lecture series.17 lectures were delivered to various stakeholders and

students. The messages has reached more the 1000s of minds. The realistic

picture of various issues were exposed to the audience.

Lecture series

To address the public and students the education and outreach team

of Siddharth foundation has selected relevant topics by understanding the

audience. The simple and meaningful presentations gave an insight to the

biodiversity and ecological issues of the country. A community which is

disconnected from wilderness and wildlife, these presentations were eye

opening. The creative discussions and realization of facts by the audience

was the achievement.


List of lecture series conducted Sl No

Date Speaker Subject Audience

1 27/11/2015

Anoopraj.P.N

Globally threatened species of

India

Higher secondary

school, Varode,

Palakkad, Kerala.

2 24/12/2015

Importance of conservation of

nature and natural resources

Higher secondary

school, Varode,

Palakkad, Kerala.

3 27/12/2015

Importance of conservation of nature and natural resources

Government Higher secondary school,

Kadambur, Palakkad

Kerala.

4 03/01/2016

Birds in our back yard Government upper

primary school,

Ambalappara, Palakkad,

Kerala.

5 08/02/2016

Importance of Nature

education and ways to involve

students in conservation

activities

SreeNarayana guru

collage of teacher

education,

Kottappuram,

kottappuram, Palakkad,

Kerala.

6 29/04/2016 Importance and conservation of snakes

Ferns Naturalist society, Wayanad, Kerala.

7 03/05/2016

Birds in our back yard Bhaskaravilasini ALP

school, Kadambur,

Palakkad, Kerala.

8 06/05/2016

Importance of conservation of

nature and natural resources

Yuvarashmi Arts and

sports club, Kadambur.

Palakkad, Kerala.

9 14/05/2016

Global warming

Government Higher secondary school,

Kadambur, Palakkad

Kerala.

10 14/05/2016

Importance of protecting local

biodiversity and ways of

involving communities in

conservation.

Yuvarashmi Arts and

sports club, Kadambur.

Palakkad, Kerala.

11 11/04/2017 Ecological wealth of river Bharathapuzha and its

conservation.

N S S collage Ottapplam.

12 10/09/2017 Mr. Susmith Scientific projects for schools Teachers of Palakkad

district

13 23/12/2017

Mr. Anoop Raj

Nila The mother of prosperity Higher secondary

school, Varode,

Palakkad, Kerala.

14 24/12/2017 Nila The mother of prosperity Higher secondary

school, Varode,

Palakkad, Kerala.

15 23/12/2017 Nila The mother of prosperity Nss Collage ottappalm,

Palakkad, Kerala.

16 27/12/2017

Nila The mother of prosperity Neelakndha Sanskrit

collage, Pattambbi,

Kerala.

17 09/03/2018 Introduction to bird watching Nss Collage ottappalm,

Palakkad, Kerala.


Public programs

To enhance the public awareness about biodiversity the outreach

team of Siddharth foundation conducted various programs. It included,

nature trails, nature camps, trekking, eco heritage tours etc. We have also

associated many other organizations to full fill this goal.

Bird race

Siddharth foundation joined hands with Salim Ali center for

Ornithology and Natural history (SACON), Salim Ali Naturalist Forum

(SANF),Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) in

conducting the HSBC bird race in Coimbatore since 2015 . The bird race is

a dawn to desk event, where the participants are actively involved in

watching the birds. They can figure out the active birding spots and get a

firsthand experience about different habitats they visit. After the survey the

participants will gather in a place and share their experiences and

knowledge. And a suitable dinner will be prepared for each participant. It

was a successful gathering of 100s of nature enthusiast of Coimbatore

metro. Both beginners and experienced scattered bird watchers brought

under one shelter through this program.

Achievements

A continuous monitoring of Bird diversity, wetlands and other pristine

ecosystems of Coimbatore city.

Popularizing the concept of citizen scientist.

Irrespective of age and gender people become birders.

House hold survey for understanding the water wealth of Mannanur

Panchayath Palakkad.

Using the National service scheme volunteers 100 houses were visited

with a questioner for understating the drinking water facilities and ground

water potential of the Mananur panchayath of Palakkad district. It took 7


days to complete the survey. 30 volunteers were involved in the process. The

report were submitted to the panchayath and water authority.

Workshops and seminars

Workshop on documentary filmmaking: In collaboration with center

for youth and Yes foundation Siddharth media team has conducted a

workshop for documentary film making for the collages and NGOs in

Coimbatore from 2/2/2018 to 7/2/2018.

Workshop on Ornithology: Two days workshop on Ornithology was

conducted for the students of NSS collage Ottappalam from 09/03/2018 to

10/03/2018. More than 90 students participated in the program which

included a field visit in the second day.


SIDDHARTH MEDIA

Developing Audio Visual tools for communicating sustainability for

conservation

Siddharth foundation aims to create a connected community, by

providing authenticated information and introducing life specific issues to

the world around us. Present days the audio visual treatments for problems

have a wider reach across the globe. Now we are creating a visual ecosystem

for understanding and spreading the message to protect nature, tradition

and culture of our country using the innovative tools of this era. The

creative artists of the team is producing documentaries and created a photo

documentation center for preserving the traditional and natural resources

of the country. The vital information provided through our projects can give

an insight to the policy makers and stakeholders. We are thrilled that the

society has welcomed our outputs with open arms and we are improving it

every day. The socially relevant themes and addressing it with robust and

relevant methodology ensures transparency and reliability.


Documentaries

The specific themes, adventurous shooting and creative post

production makes our movies unique. This format encourages everyone with

curiosity. We gather the scattered information, conduct research and

considered expertise advices about the theme before it brings to the visual

platform. Along with the usage of advanced technology the visual treat

ensures high quality well organized information which makes it as

authoritative.

Documentary 1: A day in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Project Team : Mr. Terrin Jomiccs, Dr. P. Pramod, and Mr. P.N.

Anoop Raj

Project location : Ooty, Tamil Nadu.

Partners : Tamil Nadu Forest Department

Collaborators : Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History,

Coimbatore. Karunya University, Coimbatore.

Project Duration : Three month

Status : Completed

Cost of production : 25,000 Rupees

Financial support : Self funded

YouTube link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNhDo1Mb4zE

Back ground

Our team has produced the story of a day in Jungle. The hidden

beauty and secretive animal life of Nilgiris, the queen of Western Ghats has

been revealed for the public audience through this educational

documentary. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department and Salim Ali Center for

Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore were partnered in


this project. This has been released to the public in a public function of

SACON.

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is one of the ecologically fragile area of

Western Ghats which is spread across two states Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Silent valley National Park, Mukkurthi National Park and Muthumalai Tiger

Reserve come under the jurisdiction of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. These

areas provide a residence for globally threatened species like Asiatic

elephants, Royal Bengal tiger, Lion tailed macaque and white backed

vulture. It support many endemic species like Nilgiri flycatcher, Nilgirilangur

and Nilgiri Thar. This unique landscape is facing various ecological problems

which are anthropogenic in nature. The habitat degradation, forest fire and

poaching are the major threats to the area. This ultimately reduced the

quality of the ecosystem.

The pristine shola habitat and high altitude grass lands are very

critical for the survival of many endangered and endemic fauna and flora of

this region. This hills ensures a sustainable drainage system of the states

Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Degradation and destruction of this pristine land

will trigger human animal conflict, climatic and seasonal variations and

water scarcity. As this geographical area is protected with law, the real

beauty and importance of the area was kept hidden for years. This project is

the travel to this hidden beauty and life scape of this virgin landscape for

the public audience to enjoy the beauty and understand the importance of

conservation of this area.

Achievement:

For the first time, the real natural beauty of Nilgiri biosphere reserve

is revealed.

We are successful in conveying the message to the public importance

of grasslands in production of water, river formation and threats of

NBR.


The realistic shoots gave an idea about the life inside the forest; the

prey predatory relationships.

Impact

Forest department has adopted the film and using as one of their

material in their entire awareness creation program.

It is become a major educational tool for schools and colleges in Tamil

Nadu and Kerala.

Many people had promised to us about the minimal usage of water in

their day today life.


Documentary 2: Nila – The mother of Prosperity

Project Team : Dr. P. Pramod, Mr. P.N. Anoop Raj and Mr. L.

Terrin Jomics,

Project location : Palakkad, Kerala.

Collaborators : Karunya University, Coimbatore

Project Duration : One year

Status : Completed

Cost of production : 2, 50,000 Rupees

Financial support : Versa Drives Pvt. Ltd + self funding

YouTube link : https://youtu.be/iCcyKq8WkwE

Back ground

Nila or Bharathapuzha is one of the west flowing river of Kerala. This

river originates from the northern and southern rims of Western Ghats and

flows through the Palakkad plains. The administrative boundary of this river

lies in two states (Tamil Nadu and Kerala), and four districts (Coimbatore,

Palakkad, Trissur and Malappuram). The river performs as a shelter,

breeding ground and foraging ground for many unique fauna and flora.

Directly and indirectly this river gave vocation for many people. 4.7 millions

Of people depend this river for their day to day life and become a life line for

larger communities.

This river was the major factor of agriculture blooming of Palakkad

district once upon a time. Hence it was known as rice bowl of Kerala. This

river bed created a new culture of agriculture and followed unique

traditions. For the people of Palakkad and Kerala River Nila become the

cradle of civilization. Like any other river in India, Nila also facing the threat

of destruction. Dams, forest degradation, illegal sand mining, water

pollution, are the major cause of the destruction. Siddharth foundation is


narrating the story of river Nila through the documentary. The story

suggests the ways of bringing back the flow of water in the river.

This movie has released in Nila river summit conducted in JNU

campus Delhi. This movie is one of the major tool for awareness creations

and trigger for river rejuvenation activities.

Achievement:

The cultural, historical, traditional and ecological knowledge were

shared in a single platform.

A larger comprehensive realistic picture of the river Nila is brought to

the public.

The threats of the river is revealed and possible measures for

restoration of the water flow are suggested.

A well annotated audio visual aid ofwater conservation for public

audience.


Photo documentation center

Siddharth foundation works in an interdisciplinary mode and the

media team along with the research, education and outreach teams is

venturing in to a new concept, the photo documentation center. The

photographs on biodiversity, ecology, natural and cultural events and also

the programmes are being documented through photos and a started

archiving for future for the public utility.

Documentation of water bodies of Palakkad district

Project Team : Mr. L. Terrin Jomiccs and Mr. P.N. Anoop Raj

Project location : Palakkad, Kerala

Project Duration : Five year

Date of initiation : 1/02/2017

Status : Ongoing

Proposed total

Project Cost : 75,000 Rupees

Financial support : Self funded

Back ground

Palakkad is the city of farmers. Where there was a unique agrarian

culture which is supported by natural and manmade wetlands. The

Palakkad plains is the gate way to Kerala due to the presence of Palakkad

gap. The effect of Palakkad Gap has a role in controlling the climatic zones

of the plains. The streams, rivers and ponds makes this plains very viable

for living.

Once wetlands are very commonly used by the local residents. The

protection of these wetlands was a social responsibility. People worshiped

and respected the water bodies. Because they knew that this is an

important ecosystem for their living. But the changes in the life style and

attitude of people, climatic variations partially destroyed the agriculture


system of Palakkad. The granaries become empty and cultivation land

become waste dumping yards. This mind shift of the people destroyed the

water bodies, especially the ponds and river.

Siddharth foundation media team taken this as a project to document

all available water bodies of Palakkad. A very periodical monitoring of

available life forms will be recorded seasonally irrespective of the condition

of the wetland. Historical information and GPS locations will be recorded

and it will be added to the databank. This data bank will be available for

public for their references. Unlike the photo gallery the photo documentation

center will provide scientific information about the wetland with

conservation measures.

Achievements

The wetlands of Palakkad can be seen and details can be retrieved

from a single platform.

Systematic and comprehensive records will help to understand the

status of the wetland.

The data bank will act as an information preservation center and later

it will be useful for future generation to know about the existing and

existed wetlands of Palakkad.


THE SIDDHARTH SOCIETY

Siddharth Foundation aims to give supporting hand to the most

needed groups in the civil society. The tribals and ecosystem people who live

in the fringe areas of the forests automatically become the first target

beneficiaries. The works initiated are in the field of health, livelihood,

education and development. The team is now working with a special focus in

the tribal hamlets and deprived communities of southern India. The expert

team of Siddharth foundation is supported with research, capacity building

and advocacy for the activities in this society. Addressing the key issue with

innovative research approach is the key factor of our activities.


Rural livelihood support program

The rural livelihood support program is focused in supporting tribes

and deprived communities. Nutrient deficiency, and illiteracy are common

factors in most of the tribal settlements. Government offers free rice and

shelter, which are not sufficient for them to live. The natural resources

around their hamlets have become degraded and settlements were

continuously exposed under pressure of human wildlife conflict. Farming

and NTFP collections were become impossible in most of the communities.

Understanding these, the rural lively hood support program is an attempt to

find out a solution for all this issue. This program aims to create awareness

and explore all the alternative options for health, education and livelihood in

the tribal hamlets and forest fringing villages.

Medicinal plant farming

Project team : Mr. Pradish P.N. Mr. P.N. Anoop Raj,

Ms. J. Chaithra Shree


Collaborators : Natural Remedies and Aushadhi

Project Duration : Six years


Status : Ongoing

Proposed total Project cost : 7, 00,000 Rupees


Back ground

Medicinal plants are once a part our life. But we have forgotten the

importance of these plants and addicted to the modern medicines. By

providing permanent income for the people from medicinal plant farming,

Siddharth society is trying to bring back the culture with a people’s

participation. Siddharth foundation trying to collaborate with leading

commercial Ayurveda medicine producers who are in need of large amount


of plant products. This program promote the medicinal plant cultivation by

tribals and villagers with a buy back guarantee. Tribal people of Attapady is

holding land where they cannot farm anything due to the crop damage by

the animals. The continuous loss of crops from farming forced them to leave

the land barren for years. We have identified a few families from various

villages of Attappady are willing to do medicinal plant farming. Appropriate

medicinal plants are being selected for each region by studying the soil

structure, water availability, geography and wildlife conflict. Most of the

medicinal plants, the whole plant can be used for preparing various

medicines. Hence even in any worst case of loss in the end the efforts will be

benefitted.

The same is attempted in other non forest area villages also. Here

also, training and encouragements are given to youngsters and other

enthusiastic people to practice the medicinal plant farming in various scale.

This is observed as building their confidence level and making them

financially stable.

Impact

The barren lands become farm lands.

Increasing ground cover may leads to the improvement of ground

water in the region

A sustainable livelihood for many families.

The whole process leads to reduction of actual human wildlife

conflicts and resulted damages.

Documents

Activity Report 2015-2018€¦ · Activity Report 2015-2018 3 MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGING TRUSTEE Siddharth Foundation is born out of a dream. A dream given by the deep jungles and